An overview of the various schooling options available in the Victorian education system.
State or government schools comprise the largest sector of the education system. Such institutions provide quality and equal education opportunities for all children. Generally, a child resident in a local area has the right to enrol in their designated neighbourhood school (though some schools have strict zoning requirements). If parents do not wish for their child to attend this school, they may be able to choose another government school outside their zone, if there is space available. You would need to discuss this with the principal of the school you wish your child to attend.
Each government school has a council made up of staff, parents, the principal and, in some secondary schools, students. The school council determines the general education policies of the school within the guidelines set down by the Department of Education.vic.gov.au/department-education
Systemic Catholic high schools have been designed to educate children from local parishes. While priority is generally given to those of the Catholic faith, they do accept children from other religious backgrounds. Systemic Catholic schools are mainly funded by the government and are established under the authority of the Bishop of their diocese. There are four dioceses in Victoria: Melbourne, Ballarat, Sandhurst and Sale.
There is also a variety of independent or non-systemic Catholic schools throughout Victoria. Often single-sex and run by individual orders within the Catholic Church, these schools have characteristics in common with independent schools. However, most Catholic schools are part of a system administered by the Victorian Catholic Education Authority.
Catholic schools actively promote the faith development of students in an environment where prayer and sacramental celebrations are structured into the school’s day-to-day activities. They provide religious education programs that make students knowledgeable about their faith. According to the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, 218,900 students attend Catholic schools in Victoria, 159,800 Victorian families attend Victorian Catholic schools, and belong to 494 school communities.Victorian Catholic Education Authorityvcea.catholic.edu.au
Independent schools are privately run schools. These institutions are regulated by the Department of Education and follow the same curriculum as government schools but are responsible for their own management. Each independent school in Victoria operates with a unique autonomy, offering diversity in education. Independent schools exist for a variety of reasons, including cultural, religious and philosophical. Some independent schools operate on a standalone basis, while others are part of a system or group of schools with a common bond.
Independent schools are diverse in the communities they serve, the approach they take to education, the needs of their students, and their size. They all share a sense of autonomy. All schools in Victoria operate within the bounds of state and Australian government legislation in areas such as finance, accountability, curriculum, and assessment and reporting. Independent schools are distinguished by their own management and governance structures.
Independent schools have a variety of benefits. Parents choose independent schools for many reasons. These may align with a family’s values, religious and philosophical beliefs, or the unique needs of their child. Some independent schools are established primarily to support youth at risk, meeting and addressing a real community need.
Independent schools receive some government funding but also charge fees to cover educational costs. Fees vary depending on the school. While fees at some schools may be too expensive for some parents, there is the opportunity to gain entry through a scholarship. Almost all independent schools offer scholarships and are happy to provide information about the process and requirements. Some scholarships are awarded on examination results, while others are based on skills or needs.
It is best to contact your chosen school regarding the application process as early as possible to avoid missing out on a place.Independent Schools Victoria03 9825 7200 | is.vic.edu.au
Steiner schools aim to develop children’s whole personalities, not only their intellect, and are based on the theories of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. They place equal importance on the academic, artistic and social aspects of a modern school curriculum, treating them as complementary facets of a single program of learning. Teachers in Steiner schools seek to recognise the unique individuality in every child.
A Steiner education fosters the human spirit in children and young adults, allowing them to flourish in a holistic learning environment that is oriented towards moral growth, social consciousness and citizenship. Typically located in beautiful surrounds, Steiner schools seek to nurture each individual and connect them to the natural environment, one another and the world around them. Schools are grounded in working artistically, spiritually, practically and intellectually. As well as being integrated, the curriculum is broadly based, interdisciplinary and culturally rich.
In secondary school, staff develop students’ awakening capacity for discernment by fostering initiative and independent, flexible thinking. Teaching is based on supportive and close relationships with teachers and strong, lifelong bonds between students. The values underpinning a Steiner education are gratitude, responsibility, collaboration, inclusivity, diversity and initiative. These are drawn from spirituality, engender self-worth, enrich relationships and develop a deep appreciation of our place in this world.steinereducation.edu.au
The small number of selective government secondary schools in Victoria cater for high achieving, academically gifted students. Students must achieve a very high standard in entrance exams. There are currently four selective-entry high schools for students in Years 9 to 12: Melbourne High School (boys only); The Mac Robertson Girls’ High (girls only); Nossal High School (co-educational); and Suzanne Cory High School (co-educational).03 9007 2087 | sehs@acer.orgvic.gov.au/selective-entry-high-schools
These schools provide specialised education for students with specific disability and high needs. Specialist schools have specific enrolment eligibility criteria related to their disability specialisation. In Victoria, all students can enrol in their local government school. Eligible students with disability may also seek enrolment at a government specialist school. There are schools for children with disabilities in both the government and private sectors in Victoria. Some general schools have programs for special-needs students on their campuses. Inclusive education ensures that all young people living with disabilities or additional needs can participate, achieve and grow.vic.gov.au/disability-and-inclusive-education
Virtual School Victoria is one of the largest state government schools in Victoria, with around 5500 students studying at the school annually. Previously known as Distance Education Centre Victoria, its history dates back to 1909. The teaching model is based on the most extensive evidence-based research conducted into virtual learning in Australia. The school’s values are: growth, empathy, respect and collaboration. Virtual School Victoria uses innovative teaching and technology to allow quality learning and help students and teachers connect, collaborate and learn through new online and face-to-face options.03 9965 0000, 1800 133 511vsv.vic.edu.au
A small number of schools are dedicated to a particular area of learning. This type of school may be beneficial if your child shows talent for and wishes to specialise in the areas of creative arts, performing arts, sports, technology or languages. The Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority is a good starting point to find out what’s available in your area.The Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authorityvrqa.vic.gov.au
Home education, home schooling, natural learning, home-based learning describes education by parents. The Home Education Association Inc offers information, networks, resources and education guidelines.1300 729 991 | contact@hea.edu.au | hea.edu.au Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority | vrqa.vic.gov.au/home-education
There are several independent schools offering Christian‑based education in Australia, operated by a variety of organisations. The two major representative bodies for Christian schools are:
Christian Schools Australia (CSA) is the largest association of independent Christian schools in the country, representing more than 200 sites across every state and the ACT. CSA supports its member schools through advocacy, professional learning, leadership development, governance support, and resources that help schools deliver Christ‑centred, biblically informed education. The organisation also provides national conferences, policy guidance, research, and sector‑wide initiatives that strengthen Christian schooling and support teachers, principals, and school boards.03 8393 0685 (Vic/Tas) | csa.edu.au
Christian Education National (CEN) is a national network of independent Christian schools committed to providing Christ‑centred education. CEN supports schools through governance guidance, leadership development, professional learning, and educational resources that help embed a Christian worldview across teaching and school culture. The organisation also operates the National Institute for Christian Education, which offers accredited postgraduate training for teachers and school leaders within the Christian schooling sector.02 4773 5800 | cen.edu.au
Adventist Schools Australia operates primary and junior secondary schools. Adventist Education is the largest protestant schooling system in the world with 9489 schools, colleges and universities in more than 100 countries with 111,360 teachers, educating 2,044,709 students each year. In 1892, the very first Adventist school in Australia opened in St Kilda, Melbourne. Today around Australia, there are 48 schools and 13 early-learning services providing authentic Christian education to nearly 17,000 students and young children from all sectors of the community. These schools and early-learning services in Australia are non-selective, inclusive schools, open to all who want a Christian community that is caring, safe, values-based, and sets high academic standards.Adventist Education Australia | 03 9871 7518 | adventist.edu.auAdventist Schools Victoria | 03 9264 7730 | asv.vic.edu.au
Lutheran Education Australia operates in partnership with the Lutheran Church and its schools. Vision: Lutheran education is where love and learning come to life.Mission: Informed and sustained by the Word of God, Lutheran learning communities are encouraged and nurtured to grow, serving, shaping and enriching the world.Core values: Lutheran education communities draw upon the foundational beliefs and values of the Lutheran Church of Australia. Through faith in Christ, by the work of the Holy Spirit, Lutheran education is shaped by the gospel of grace, blessed by relationships, united by Christ and marked by integrity.The pillars for Lutheran education beliefs and values are love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, service, humility, courage, hope, quality and appreciation.Within Victoria, there are 14 Lutheran schools.08 8267 7318 | lutheran.edu.auLutheran Education VIC, NSW & TAS (LEVNT)03 9236 1250 | levnt.edu.au